Disclaimer: This is a private blog. The thoughts are my own and for my own reading and amusement. I may chose to write in 3rd person format but doesn't mean it is addressed to others. Visitors to my blog can read what they wish but the buck stops there. If I write something stupid, its for me alone. My stupidity! You can't have it :)

Thursday, January 30, 2003

Courage or stupidity – part 2

All these days I have put up posts stating that I oppose war in every possible sense. Last night I punished myself to think if there was anything good that this war would bring - even from an American point of view. Long ago someone said, "If you want peace, prepare for war". My last night’s thoughts could be summarised in that sentence. No. This doesn't in any way mean that I support the war. But there is some cud to chew upon in that phrase.

Lets leave aside the issue that America wants Iraqi oil. Lets also leave aside the fact that America wants to have a permanent base in the Middle East just like the ones they have in S.Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and other such places. The crux of the issue that I want to point out is - how many leaders do we know who would defy the United Nations and the security council and go out for an all out war? Taking on either Saddam Hussein or other Islamic militants is not a backyard rugby game. These people are hardcore fighters and would not hesitate to use the most destructive weapons.

The fact is that Saddam does have the capability to produce biological weapons. The reason I state this is because it doesn't take a genius to produce a biological weapon. By spending Rs.300/- a person can produce a crude fertiliser bomb. In fact given the right materials, even a skilled high-school student could assemble a nuclear weapon. I shall place my faith that the scientists working for Saddam are better qualified. And it is for this reason that Americans and the UN monitor each and every ship movement in and out of Iraq. But even with the best 'eye in the sky' it is impossible to track every move.

America has dug its own grave because of its double standards in international polices - especially towards Islamic countries. Or shall I say - half a grave? And now they face serious threats because of their past sins. And Bush wants to go all out to prevent from American's being spanked, even if it means war. What needs to be admired is that Bush doesn't mind sending hundreds of thousands of troops - knowing fully well that some of his troops might get massacred should Saddam use biological weapons. Saddam has nothing to lose. He has lived a 65-year life - and better half of it in full power. And trust me, he is not loosing any sleep on this war. Should American's arrive at his gates, then he will take the Americans, Baghdad and himself down (in that order) without blinking an eye.

Compare this to our Vajpayee. Would he sacrifice his troops or his countrymen knowing fully well that in case of war with his western neighbour, there is every likelihood we might end up at the receiving end of non-conventional weapons? Why just him - is there any other world leader who would take on that challenge? I don't think Blair has the balls to take on Iraq without Americas backing. And the same goes for Israeli leaders. Its not that other super powers in the world are not capable of taking on Iraq but they just won't do it. So this makes Bush either very courageous or very stupid. And as I had written before, there is a very fine line between the two.